Merton’s Local and Strategic Fund

Just to thank everyone who has responded to this consultation so far with very useful suggestions of projects/ recommendations to be considered for Merton’s Local and Strategic Fund lists and Merton’s draft S106 Obligations SPD . Also, to remind those that have not yet responded but would like to, that you still have an extra few days to respond before this consultation closes.

Government has changed the way that new homes and large supermarkets/ retail warehouses built in your neighbourhood can help fund local projects such as parks and open spaces, school facilities, health centres, street improvements and other matters.

We would like to know what your priorities are for funding projects in your local area (part of Merton’s Local Fund). We would also like your feedback on borough wide projects (Merton’s Strategic Infrastructure List).

What is Merton’s Local Fund?

Merton’s Local Fund (MLF) – part of Merton’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – is a charge the council makes mainly on new homes to pay for the infrastructure needed to support the development, such as new or safer roads, park improvements or a new health centre.

Most of the funding received through CIL will be spent on borough-wide, “strategic” CIL projects, but 15% of CIL funding will be spent on projects locally in Colliers Wood, Mitcham, Morden, Raynes Park/Motspur Park and Wimbledon. We would like to hear from you what your priorities might be for this fund

How much money will be available for Merton’s Local Fund?

About £30,000 is estimated to be available for each of the five areas every year from 2016. As the funding comes from the building of new homes and large supermarkets/ retail warehouses, the places where most homes and superstores are built in the future should receive the most funding.

What is Merton’s Strategic Project List?

This is the list of borough-wide projects that the council could spend most of the CIL funding it receives from new homes and large supermarkets/ retail warehouses that are built in Merton. It is part of the Community Infrastructure Levy. About £850,000 is likely to be available per annum from 2016 to help fund libraries, health centres, parks and open spaces, schools and other infrastructure. We have drafted an initial list and would like to hear whether these projects should be supported.

What is Merton’s guidance on planning obligations?

We have also prepared new technical guidance on how planning obligations within Merton are calculated; this is, known as Merton’s Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document. It will be useful for planners, developers and others who regularly make or assess planning applications for sites within Merton; it does not contain details of how planning obligations might be allocated or spent.

Please have your say from Tuesday, 14 October 2014 until Tuesday, 25 November 2014 by writing to us at:
by e-mail: ldf@merton.gov.uk
by post: Claire O’Donovan Future Merton, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX.

To encourage more responses, we have now extended this consultation by a few days. The closing date for this consultation is now Tuesday, 09 December 2014.

If your or your organisation would like to receive a paper copy of any of the above documents directly or for further information on this consultation please contact Claire O’ Donovan (tel: 0208 545 3587, Email: ldf@merton.gov.uk) or a member of the Future Merton team on 0208 545 3837.